| Annual Meeting |
| February 3, 2008 Annual Meeting ~ Minutes |
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St. George's Annual Meeting was held in the church hall on February 3 with 67 people in attendance
The Annual Reports were available for the Church Family the previous Sunday and again at the Annual Meeting. The Annual Report booklet's opening page thanked everyone at St. George's who contributes to the life of the Church Family: "We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you." Colossians 1:3 The meeting opened with the Senior Warden, George Henaut, leading those present in reading the Mission Statement and praying the Prayer for St. George's. Regrets ~ Doug and Alice Smith, Susan and Larry Morrison, Muriel George It was moved by Linda MacIntosh, seconded by Genesta Hamm that George Henaut serve as chair for the meeting; motion carried. Upon a motion by Donnie Wadden and Diane White Pauline Henaut was elected as secretary. The minutes of the 2007 Annual Meeting had been circulated to Church Council members in January 2007 and subsequently posted in the foyer; the minutes were reprinted in the Annual Report; they were approved following a motion by Peter Lawton and Gloria Dort. Business arising from the minutes was covered in the reports of the meeting. Written reports which were included in the Annual Report from the various ministries were presented for adoption; brief oral highlights of each report were shared. On behalf of the Church Family the senior warden thanked each ministry, having members stand up for recognition. Archdeacon Peter Armstrong moved the adoption of the rector's report, seconded by Reverend Cecil Hebb. Archdeacon Peter Armstrong indicated that "It has been an extraordinary year `the most eventful I have had." His report provided comments on ACPC and each church within the confederation. There was an emphasis on the discernment process regarding the status of churches within the ACPC confederation with implications for life at St. George's as a separate parish and the sustainability of ACPC without St. George's. Eleanor Gordon clarified several statements made in the rector's report regarding St. Augustine's. She mentioned that there is no record of St. Augustine's indicating that the proceeds from the sale of the church building would go to ACPC; on the contrary, she indicated that the former church family wished the funds to go to St. George's. She also clarified that St. George's was the only church that reached out to St. Augustine's during their journey to closure. The rector responded to Eleanor's remarks with, "What can we learn from the St. Augustine's situation?" Prior to introducing the wardens' report, senior warden, George Henaut, shared highlights of 2007 with large photos capturing important moments; including a photo of the Reverend Cathy Laskey kissing a cod in her Newfoundland parish. The wardens indicated that 2007 was "The best of times, the worst of times". The best of times included the church's continued journey in renewal. The church has many individuals who are involved in an ever- growing number of ministries. Sunday attendance has increased dramatically (many former members have returned, new families are attending. Traditional ministries are being enhanced, new ministries are being created, the outreach program is expanding, the properties are well maintained. The church is meeting all of its financial responsibilities. There is increasing number of young families attending the church resulting in a continuing expansion of the nursery and Sunday School program. St. Augustine's members have greatly enriched St. George's Church Family. During 2007, there were incidents that reflected the worst of times: the loss of George Hendsbee, the closing of St. Augustine's, the departure of Reverend Cathy Laskey and the struggle for discernment regarding the ACPC confederation. Senior Warden, George Henaut moved the adoption of the report, seconded by Bob Cullen. Statistics for 2007 revealed an average Sunday attendance of 92, 68 for Easter Sunday (storm day), 120 for Thanksgiving, and in excess of 190 for Christmas Eve services. There were 13 baptisms, 1 marriage and 12 funerals. Muriel MacIntosh's name was omitted from the list of funerals. The Synod Report highlighed the election of Bishop Sue Moxley as diocesan bishop. The Spiritual Development Committee report (moved by Joel Pratt and Kathy Dewtie) revealed that the Committee has been instrumental in introducing and monitoring the Combined services held on the third Sunday of each month, encouraging the use of a variety of musical instruments, promoting programs to enhance our spiritual growth, introducing our new Mission Praise hymn books. Brenda MacLaughlin presented the Pastoral Committee report (moved by Brenda and Diane White). The committee would like to see the Hospital Visitation program expanded to include Nursing Homes. It continues to update its data base and church directory of our Church Family, to enhance the mentoring program, encouraging pastoral committee members and others to attend services at homes of special care, and working with the Spiritual Development Committee to plan a memorial service. Brenda MacLaughlin reported on the newly established Outreach Ministries (moved by Brenda and Sid MacIntosh). Brenda indicated that the Committee was approved by Parish Council at the March 15th, 2007 meeting. This is not a standing committee but an ad hoc committee. The purpose of establishing this sub-committee of Pastoral Committee is to oversee new short term projects that enables St. George's parishioners to reach out beyond our local community. Any member of our Church Family is welcome to serve on this committee if there are projects which pique an interest. The first project undertaken by this committee was to assist Jacob Deng with his "Wings of Hope" Project. Over $4000 was raised and many individuals found the weekend event to be a mountain top experience. Kathy Dewtie, Superintendent of Sunday School, moved the adoption of the Sunday School/Nursery report (seconded by Susie Sangster). The Sunday School/ Nursery program continues to evolve with new leaders recently added. Among the highlights shared were: "In February, we had our first REVERSE Sunday in which the students worshipped upstairs and the adult congregation worshipped in the church hall. The focus of the lesson for the students was the beautiful stained glass windows. The students enjoyed Jacob Deng during his Wings of Hope weekend at St. George's. On Father's Day we had our Sunday School closing and church picnic at Camp Geddie. The first edition of the Sunday School newspaper was distributed." The bank balance in the Sunday School account was $148. A report from the ACPC Youth Group, Ray, was provided as information. The report written by Gracie Armstrong and Andraya Sambourski summarized the major events involving the youth in 2007, including their intention to once again participate in the 30 hour famine project. Pauline Henaut, President of the Choir, reported on behalf of St. George's Music Ministry (moved by Pauline and Peter Lawton). "This year our ministry has been strengthened by the addition of Eleanor Gordon and Sandra Mosher. Occasionally, the Sunday School Musicians join the Music Team; we continue to seek musicians of all ages. Our ministry has been enhanced by the purchase of a new keyboard used for choir room rehearsals and Mission Praise hymn books which expand the possibilities for choir and congregational hymn singing. We were delighted to receive choir gowns from St. Augustine's." Cassie MacDonald, Choir Treasurer, moved the adoption of her report which showed a bank balance of $50.10 (seconded by Peter Lawton). Diane White presented the ACW Annual report (seconded by Jenny Carter) revealing a wide range of activities pursued by St. George's ACW including: Celebration Cakes for cancer patients, Shepherd's Lunchroom, crafting 36 pneumonia vests, 31 eye cross dolls, 36 pairs of mitts, 10 teddy pairs and a number of Premie Hats. During the year the children of the Sunday School receive birthday cards and congratulations cards; adult members also receive appropriate cards throughout the year from the ACW. The sick and shut-ins of the parish are remembered with treats and gifts at Christmas. Donations were made to: St. George's Sunday School, Glen Haven Manor, Pictou County Christmas Fund, Kitchen Fund of the church, ACW Diocesan project fund. Barbara Mosher reported on behalf of the Altar Guild (seconded by Sylvia Matheson). "Dedicated Altar workers carry on the labour "of love" of tending to preparing the Altar for Eucharistic Services." The Memorial Fund showed a balance of $325.32; moved by Barbara Mosher and Diane White. Mary Fanning (Jenny Carter) presented the financial statement for the ACW which showed a balance of $1451.96. Mary Fanning (Phyllis MacDonald) also reported on behalf of the Sobeys grocery tapes. This past year after turning in the slips we received $465.77. When St. Augustine's Church closed, their slips were donated to St. George's the total amount of the slips added up to $138,782. The ACW Special Project Account was presented by Sylvia Matheson (Cassie MacDonald) revealing a balance of $1,225.89. The Diocesan Times report prepared by Muriel George was reviewed; motion for acceptance by Monica Punke and Eve Westerman. "I am in the process of updating the mailing list. If members are not receiving the papers and are interested, please put a note on the offering plate, or phone me at 752-5087." Sid MacIntosh and Peter Lawton moved the acceptance of the Men's Group Report which revealed a zero balance. "It is a time of fellowship, sharing a brief meditation, discussing church ministries and assisting with property improvements. The group caters to the annual ACW Christmas dinner." The ladies at the Annual Meeting were reminded that they go out to breakfast on the Saturday when the men meet. The Resource Centre report was received. "The Resource Centre provides materials to enhance the Sunday School program and can supply materials for any church ministry. The resources are not intended to gather dust on the shelves; they are waiting for you to browse and borrow!" The Web Site report was presented. The site has proven popular with many of our members, former parishioners and students who are studying at university. The website is updated weekly and is a good source to check for coming events and weekly services. Don Duncan reported on behalf of the Bell Ringers Guild (Judy Fitzpatrick). "We are able to function as a group with the quality that St. George's is deserving of." The Ways and Means report was presented revealing the following: Roast Beef Dinner ~ $1,077.56 Ham, Salad & Strawberry ~ $1,431.00 Turkey Supper ~ $1,689.19 Variety Concert ~$407.00 "As we work together we build a sense of community and it is important for us to reach out to the larger community." Donnie Wadden reported on behalf of the Property Committee (JoAnn Walsh). He thanked the many individuals who have contributed to the maintenance and beautification of the properties: Treasured gifts from the St. Augustine's Church Family, Phyllis Cameron for her dedicated service as janitor, Greg White for caring for the lawns, Gracie Armstrong for snow removal, Pauline Henaut for garden maintenance, George Henaut for decorating, Neil Weber for overseeing the apartment building. "A special thank you must go out to all members of the property committee Sid MacIntosh, Gary Dewtie, Doug Smith, Peter Lawton and Neil Webber for being there to fix up, paint, answer alarms, pick up supplies and all the other things I ask them to do". Linda MacIntosh presented the financial year, reporting another year of meeting all financial responsibilities, including a $10,000 increase in allotment to ACPC. The report was moved by Linda and Phyllis MacDonald. The income for 2007 was $107,057.09 plus balance from 2006: $7,626.03; expenditures were $107,484.57 with a bank balance of $7,198.55. The Investment Portfolio had a balance of $10,005.01; the Apartment Fund a balance of $6,800.98. The Property Improvement Fund had a balance of $3,453.01. Reports from the Canadian Bible Society, the Pictou County Council of Churches, the Pictou District Honour Choir, Acts Theatre Society: Ministry of Drama, Primate's World Relief and Development, the Northumbria Region were presented. Monica Punke spoke on behalf of the very successful ACPC Ladies Bible Study, thanking the ladies for their devotion. All reports were accepted. The following Nomination Report was presented by the Senior Warden; moved by Gerry Punke and Nicola Boone. Rector for St. George's or ACPC ? (Bishop Sue Appoints): Archdeacon Peter Armstrong Wardens: George Henaut (Senior) and Debi Wadden (Junior) 19 Returning to Church Council: Nicola Boone, Bob Boudreau, Phyllis Cameron, Jenny Carter, Bob Cullen, Hailey Dewtie, Kathy Dewtie, Pauline Henaut, Wanda Langille, Peter Lawton, Cassie MacDonald, Linda MacIntosh, Brenda MacLaughlin, Susan Morrison, Susie Sangster, Alice Smith, Doug Smith, Donnie Wadden, Diane White 2 New Members: Mary Goya, Rosemary MacDonald Synod Delegates: George Henaut and Debi Wadden, Youth: Hailey Dewtie; Treasurer: Linda MacIntosh; Secretary: Pauline Henaut Regional Representatives: Phyllis Cameron, George Henaut, Cassie MacDonald, Susie Sangster (Church Council members are encouraged to attend 1 meeting a year) ACPC: As required: Wardens plus others A calendar of fundraisers, special events and weekly/monthly/yearly events was presented to the Annual Meeting. The Church Family reviewed goals for 2008: General: To continue fulfilling our Mission Statement, ensure that renewal continues. To continue enhancing established ministries and to create new ministries as needed. Specific: Spiritual Development ~ To enhance the Sunday School/Nursery program with additional volunteers and resources. To revise and extend Prayer Power and to more fully establish Prayer Support. Pastoral ~To extend our Hospital Visitation Program to include Nursing Homes and later to Private Homes. To extend the Mentoring Program to include members of St. Augustine's who have become part of our Church Family.To revisit our Home Visitation Program and possibly have phase 2 to include members who were not visited by our last program, with emphasis on St. Augustine's members who are on our parish list but not attending church. Property ~To ensure the rectory roof is repaired; to investigate the cost of insulating the rectory and install new windows. To investigate and find solution(s) for the water leaks in the basement of the rectory. Finance ~To continue efforts to remain financially stable during our transition stage and as we assume full responsibility for the cost of a rector, rectory and office. ACPC: To ensure that our transition stage as we leave the ACPC Confederation is To work closely with ACPC to discern ways that will lead to the continued support of each other. The senior warden provided an update on the ACPC decision process. Whatever St. Alban's decides, it will continue to pay a $1000 a year allotment to either ACPC or St. George's. The church family recalled that it was during Father Abbott's ministry that St. George's founded the mission church, St. Alban's, and has sustained the church throughout the years. Two families have left St. George's as a result of its decision to withdraw from ACPC; however, within the last few weeks two new families have joined us, several families who had been removed from our parish list have been added once again and several families have returned to more participation in worship. A number of individuals have volunteered to assist various ministries. Archdeacon Peter Armstrong provided a 25 minute presentation on the transition stage of St. George's withdrawal from ACPC using a flow chart on an easel with a copy for individuals to follow. The chart reviewed the process of obtaining a new rector. He cautioned that should he become the rector of ACPC and a new rector be appointed at St. George's he would want to maintain a distance so that the new rector might have freedom to establish his/her own unique ministry among the Church Family. Russell Mosher thanked the wardens for their tireless efforts on behalf of the Church Family. Peter Lawton moved for adjournment. The meeting closed with the Grace and singing of Go Now in Peace with Genesta Hamm as pianist. Pauline Henaut Secretary |